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Korie Homan
Country (sports)  Netherlands
Residence Nieuwleusen, Netherlands
Born (1986-06-16) 16 June 1986 (age 38)
de Wijk, Netherlands
Turned pro 2003
Retired 2011
Plays Right Handed
Singles
Career record 192-85
Highest ranking No. 2 (19 November 2007)
Grand Slam singles results
Australian Open W (2010)
French Open F (2008, 2009)
US Open F (2005, 2009)
Other tournaments
Masters F (2007, 2008, 2009)
Paralympic Games Silver medal Paralympics.svg Silver Medal (2008)
Doubles
Career record 142-59
Highest ranking No. 1 (27 July 2009)
Grand Slam doubles results
Australian Open W (2009)
French Open W (2009)
Wimbledon W (2009)
US Open W (2005, 2009)
Other doubles tournaments
Masters Doubles W (2005, 2009)
Paralympic Games Gold medal Paralympics.svg Gold Medal (2008)
Medal record
Women's wheelchair tennis
Representing  Netherlands
Paralympic Games
Gold 2008 Beijing Women's doubles
Silver 2008 Beijing Women's singles

Korie Homan (born June 16, 1986, in de Wijk, Netherlands) is a former professional wheelchair tennis player from the Netherlands. She achieved great success in her career, especially in doubles. Korie won a gold medal in women's doubles at the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing. In 2009, she made history by winning all four major doubles tournaments, known as the Grand Slam, with her partner Esther Vergeer. Korie also had a big win in singles, taking home the 2010 Australian Open title. She was once ranked the world's number one doubles player.

Early Life and Start in Tennis

Korie Homan was born to Jan and Gina Willem. She is the youngest of three sisters. When she was 12 years old in 1998, Korie was in a car accident. In 2003, after finishing school, she had her leg amputated.

Korie started playing wheelchair tennis in May 2000. She was inspired after seeing a tennis show by famous player Esther Vergeer. Korie even talked to Esther's coach, Aad Zwaan. By September 2001, Korie began playing in junior tournaments in the Netherlands. By the end of 2003, she was ranked 23rd in singles, which was a big jump since she wasn't ranked at all at the start of the year.

Tennis Career Highlights

In 2004, Korie was part of the Dutch team that won the Junior World Team Cup in New Zealand. This was a great start to her professional career. She also reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open.

Korie often played against and partnered with the legendary Esther Vergeer, who was one of the best wheelchair tennis players ever. In 2006, Korie reached several finals, winning the doubles title at the Belgium Open and both singles and doubles titles at the Citta di Livorno in Italy. She also made it to the doubles final at the US Open.

The 2007 season saw Korie reach many singles finals, showing her consistent performance.

Paralympic Success in 2008

The year 2008 was very important for Korie. At the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, she reached the singles final against Esther Vergeer. Korie had two chances to win the match and end Esther's amazing winning streak, but Esther managed to win. Korie earned a silver medal for her efforts.

However, in the doubles event, Korie teamed up with Sharon Walraven. They faced Esther Vergeer and Jiske Griffioen in the final. Korie and Sharon won the match, earning the gold medal for the Netherlands! This was a huge victory.

Grand Slam Achievements in 2009

In 2009, Korie and Esther Vergeer formed a powerful doubles team. They won the doubles titles at the 2009 Australian Open, 2009 French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. This incredible achievement is called a "Grand Slam," meaning they won all four major tournaments in the same year. This was the first time a team had done this in wheelchair tennis.

Korie also continued to do well in singles. She won her first Sydney International Open singles title. At the Singles Masters, she came very close to beating Esther Vergeer, being just two points away from ending Esther's 382-match winning streak. Korie was named the female player of the year for 2009, which was a great honor.

First Grand Slam Singles Title

In 2010, Korie won her first Grand Slam singles title at the 2010 Australian Open. This was a big moment for her career. Sadly, Korie had been dealing with a wrist injury since September 2009, which affected her ability to play. In July 2010, she announced her retirement from tennis because of this injury.

Life Outside of Tennis

Korie Homan is also very smart! She has a degree in biomedical science. As of September 2010, she was studying to become a veterinarian.

Images for kids

See also

In Spanish: Korie Homan para niños

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